The upcoming visit of United States Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth shows the importance of the Philippines to the United States, Philippine Ambassador to Washington Jose Manuel Romualdez said on Sunday, March 23.
Philippine Ambassador to Washington Babe Romualdez raises a toast to US President Donald Trump and his administration. (Photo from Amb. Romualdez via X post)
In an interview on Dzbb Super Radyo, the envoy stressed that the Philippines remains to be in the “radar screen” of the United States.
This despite recent concerns that the Trump administration’s “America First” foreign policy would affect the depth of its commitments to the Philippines.
“It is an indication na talagang importante ang Pilipinas para sa US ang ating defense alliance (that the defense alliance with the Philippines is really important to the US),” he said of Hegseth’s scheduled visit on March 28-29.
He furthered that the Philippines wants “to take advantage” of its importance to Washington, as well as to other defense allies, such as Japan and Australia.
“We are positioning ourselves to take advantage na ang ating armed forces ay ma-modernize at saka (for our armed forces to be modernized and) at the same time, the attention that’s being given to us,” Romualdez explained.
“Palagi kong sinasabi na kailangan din tulungan ka namin sa economy namin (I always say that you need to help our economy, too),” he said, adding that the Philippines needs the resources to purchase equipment and arms that can be used in case a conflict arises in the Indo-Pacific region.
Marcos, Rubio visits
Romualdez believes that sending Hegseth is a good indication that there will be more high-profile visits between the allies.
“Siguro malapit rin na pupunta diyan si Secretary (Marco) Rubio, ‘yung State Secretary bago imbitihan si President Marcos to go to the US (Maybe Secretary [Marco] Rubio, the State Secretary, will soon go there before President Marcos is invited to the US),” the envoy added.
While he revealed plans to have the President visit the US sometime between July and September this year, he also admitted that the Trump administration currently have its hands full with the Ukraine-Russia peace talks and the conflict in the Middle East.
“Sabi ko nga, nasa radar din ‘yung Indo-Pacific region. Dadating din tayo diyan kaya nga pinadadala muna diyan iyong mga secretary of defense at officials para mag-usap-usap sa mga ating opisyal natin din diyan para magplano kung ano talaga anong next step ang gagawin natin (As I said, the Indo-Pacific region is in their radar. We’re going to get there, that’s why they’re first sending the secretary of defense and officials to talk with our officials and plan what’s the next step),” Romualdez stated.
The ambassador shared that Trump wants a “stronger alliance for deterrence,” which means he believes in the US’ alliance with the Philippines.